Spring 2010/Pasadena
OT506
Jacobs
OT506: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: MINOR PROPHETS. Mignon R. Jacobs.
DESCRIPTION: The primary goal of this course is to develop exegetical skills
through study of the Hebrew text of the Minor Prophets (Book of the Twelve), in
light of particular contextual aspects. Towards this goal, texts will be
analyzed using the methodological principles of concept-, form-, historical-,
redaction-, and text-criticism. Specific attention will be given to
systematizing various aspects of the exegetical study and discerning these
aspects in modern writings and thoughts.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course will enable students to (a)
better know and understand the Minor Prophets; (b) understand more about the
literary features of the prophetic books; (c) better understand the historical
and cultural situations of the prophetic books; (d) develop ability in
interpreting prophetic texts through reading and critical engagement; (e) apply
Hebrew language skills to specific texts.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Exegetical skills are basic to thorough interpretation
of biblical texts in ministry. Such skills enable informed evaluation of
commentaries and other English translations, and the use of exegetical results
as the basis of theological and hermeneutical reflections.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for
lectures and discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Brown, F., S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English
Lexicon of the Old Testament, with an appendix, containing the Biblical
Aramaic. Hendrickson, 1996 [original date, 1906].**
- Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica
Stuttgartensia. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.**
- Floyd, Michael H. Minor Prophets Part 2. The Forms of the Old
Testament Literature 22. Eerdmans, 2000.
- McComiskey, T. E., ed. The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository
Commentary. One Volume. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009.
- Various books and articles on library reserve.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html and in the Academic Advising office.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts
and Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
- Bellis, Alice Ogden, ed. Many Voices: Multicultural Responses to the
Minor Prophets. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 1995.
- Newsome, J. D. The Hebrew Prophets. Louisville: Westminster John
Knox, 1986.
- Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Nashville:
Abingdon, 1995.
- Sweeney, M., and D. W. Cotter, eds. The Twelve Prophets. 2 vols.
Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2000.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Weekly preparation and participation is essential
for successful completion of this course. This preparation will include reading
assignments, translation, and exegetical analysis of assigned passages. When
announced, exegetical analysis will be submitted as demonstration of students'
application of exegetical methods, use of tools, and understanding of the Minor
Prophets. The final grade will be based on attendance and class participation
(20%), exegetical analysis of assigned passages (50%), and an exegetical paper
(30%).
- **Bring BDB and BHS to the first class meeting. These may be
in electronic form.
PREREQUISITES: LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "b"
(OTBE) and MA program requirements for Old Testament book study (OTBK).
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (Posted January 2010)